Ciao, amici! I hope you had a wonderful week. Mine was a bit of a chore—more editing than writing, and the documents needed a lot of attention. I usually like to split my time between creative work and analytical work, but it was pretty much all analysis this week.

But that’s okay. I have more creative work on the horizon. Some in my rearview mirror, too. I recently completed another novel. Most of my work references music in some fashion, but this story was all about the music. That’s why I found Faulkner’s words so appropriate this week:

I would say that music is the easiest means in which to express, but since words are my talent, I must try to express clumsily in words what the pure music would have done better.

I would love to be able to sing. Well, I can sing. Anyone who has a voice can. My problem is I can’t sing well. There are so many times I’m trying my best—hymns at church, classic rock in the car, you get the idea—and I fall short. WAY short. I believe the term “cringeworthy” is apt. And while I’ve played my fair share of instruments in my day, I’ve never played professionally, and certainly never freestyle. I can play notes written on the page, but I can’t compose my own melody. Wouldn’t even know where to start.

And that’s a shame because music is the great equalizer, isn’t it? A perfect way to bridge any language barrier. A simple yet powerful way to express emotion. I’d love to master that art.

Music is the easiest way to express, but it’s not my tool (unfortunately). Like Faulker, words are mine. And while I doubt I’ll ever be in his league, I can certainly relate to his sentiment.

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30 thoughts on “Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links”

Congratulations to your niece, Staci! May they have a long and happy life. You cracked me up about the music. I don’t consider myself to be a “great” singer, but I have sung on big stages and have recorded my own songs. Now, on the other hand, my daughter has an AMAZING voice, so I like to think she got a tiny bit of that from me. 🙂 On any level, music is therapeutic!

Sooo, what your saying is, you are the rock star of karaoke… I’m with you. I play a couple instruments (piano and clarinet), but nowhere near performance ability. Well enough to spend some decompression time playing. And another novel?! Damn, girl, you write like a fiend. Must be that new muse of yours 😉

One of my instruments (the one I’m best at) is clarinet! I never meet clarinet players. Cool.

Karaoke? I could tell you stories that would have you laughing your… head off.

Yeah, my new muse really has me productive this year. I don’t know how I ever write a word with him around, though. He does have a way of drawing my attention away from my laptop. And everything else! 😉

You mention cringeworthy singing, and my hands goes up. I joke that we’re the only family who never unwrapped the microphone in our Rock Band game, lol. Best wishes to your niece and her fiance (by now hubby)!

I’m a fan of singing too– no matter how cringeworthy
…lol. I played the piano a bit but the music in my family is in my son and husband…and my girls as well. I prefer writing over editing, too. Have a great weekend Staci:)

We all have strengths and weaknesses. Looks like you and I are more toward the writing end than the other members of your family. But that’s fine. You can enjoy their efforts, and I can enjoy some of my family. My daughter isn’t a singer, but my husband and son have great voices. I love listening to them.

It takes all kinds, right? The world would be so boring if we were all the same.

Go ahead and sing, Staci. 🙂
A coworker (long ago) said something similar. We were in the heart of the Bible Belt, so I told her to remember what her Good Book said — Make a joyful noise. She did. I’ve never seen anyone look happier.
Great big hug.

Oh, my ability (or lack thereof) doesn’t stop me. And my song is joyful. Unfortunately, it doesn’t bring joy to others. But if God wanted me to sing like an angel, He’d have made me that way. He didn’t, so I have to assume He doesn’t mind my off-tune attempts.

Good for your coworker. Music is beautiful and can bring such happiness. I hope she’s still singing loud and proud.

Maybe you and I should sing together and have people pay us to stop. lol

There are a few people in my family worse than me. My dad, my sister, my daughter. Wow. It’s painful to listen to. When my daughter and her friend sing in church, she says they get dirty looks. I wouldn’t know… I’m too embarrassed to be seen with them! (Just kidding. They go to church together at college, so I’m not there. I’d sit with them if I was. But I’d probably give them a few looks, too.)

How true about music – no need for words and I wonder if any writer could describe the effect music has on us. My attempts at learning instruments have left me with admiration for those up there on the stage who can sing or play solo!

Over the years I played a lot of instruments. I take to them rather easily, but I can’t compose. How I wish I could. I don’t even know if I have the words to describe the effect of good music. That’s a good point. Thank God I have my hearing and can still experience it, even if I can’t create it.

Thanks for the links, Staci. Congratulations for your niece on her marriage, and to you on finishing another novel. Hopefully next will allow for more creative time rather than technical. Have a wonderful weekend 😊